Is yoga really anti-Christian?

Question

I didn't realize this until another Christian brought it to my attention... but apparently the stretching poses in yoga are sacrilegious, as it teaches one to look within themselves, rather than to the God of the Bible.

I'm a Christian myself, but I just can't see how participating in yoga is so wrong if I'm not praying to anyone or "looking within myself" while I'm doing it.

There are actually "Christian Stretching" books and DVDs available now for those who are wary of the ancient Indian practice of yoga. But then again, why even bother emulating yoga if you're so against it? Seems like kind of an oxymoron, don't you think?

To me, it's just a way to relax, but perhaps that's just ignorance on my part.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Postures are called asana, and are one of 8 limbs of Yogic practice. Anyone who only does asana is not practicing Yoga.

Answer 2

Yoga is not practiced by the Christian religions.  It is practiced in the religions of Daoism & Hinduism.  There is nothing sacreligious about stretching exercises.  It helps one relax the body and allow the mind to open up and be totally aware of oneself and the spiritual realm.  

In my textbook the definition of yoga is as follows:

Yoga:  A spiritual discipline; a method for perfecting one's union with the divine.  (M. Malloy,2008)

To me that definition translates to stretching exercises that relax one's mind and body to be at peace with oneself and with God.  Sounds like that is a good thing to me.

Sounds like your friend needs to take a couple courses in World Religions and open his mind.  I am Catholic and was surprised by the variety of religious beliefs there are in the world.  Taking that course helped me relate to people in general with a better understanding to their culture, making communication easier.  

Answer 3

There is nothing about Yoga to go against your beliefs.  It is a healthy way to keep your muscles stretched and you body in shape.  

Yes there are religions who use Yoga for deeper insight,  but there is nothing saying you can't use to to come closer to your God.

Answer 4

I am perennially disgusted by the throngs and masses who must disparage one thing in order to exalt another.

Yoga, as a spiritual discipline, helps you learn about your own place in the world b/c you are focusing on your physical place with very careful precision. There is nothing satanic, demonic, or otherwise vile about it.

Answer 5

Christians seem to be apprehensive about everything, and then they rip off the things they're frightened of, bastardize them, and repackage them under a Christian label.  

"Christian rock", "Christian yoga", "Christian dating", "Christian television", "Christian bookstores".    They create their own little society, segregating themselves from the world around them, and then pretend to be appalled when they dare to venture out from their little self-induced creations.

Live your life, and do what makes you happy.

Answer 6

Yoga originated as a Hindu spiritual practice.  What we think of when we hear "yoga" is "Hatha Yoga".  Many people in the West do the stretches and the breathing exercises, and call it "yoga" but leave out the religious aspect of it.  

Answer 7

No, only to small minded religious nut jobs is Yoga a threat.

Answer 8

I'd like to offer a warning: what I am about to say may be offensive to some people, but is not meant to be offensive to you.  I am going to ridicule the belief that you have been fed about Yoga being anti-Christian, because ridicule is what it deserves.

The Bible commands you not to put any gods above your God.  It commands you not to bow to idols.  Yoga does none of those things.  Nowhere in the Bible do I read a command that says to the effect, "thou shalt not stretch," or "thou shalt not be in shape."  

Those that think that Yoga is anti-Christian because it happens to come from some place outside their own religious mindset are intellectual xenophobes, and would do better to stay holed up inside their own little world so that they don't contaminate you or the rest of us with their nonsense. Enjoy your yoga.  Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, according to the Bible, so take care of it.  

Answer 9

Why are christans against everything?

Maybe that other christan is a friend of the "God Warrior" from Swap wifes.

Answer 10

You need to stop listening to knuckleheads, would be my sincere advice.

Where does your friend think he lives? Iran?

Answer 11

You really should ask other Christians this question lol

I think that if it is just exercise or to relax its just fine! If you do the chanting and believe the things related to it that some people do, it's obviously against Christ.

I personally find many other ways to relax that aren't connected to eastern pagan religions, but thats just me.

Your best bet is to pray and ask for the leading of the Holy Spirit on this matter. Its different for different believers.... there really isn't one pat answer.

Hope that helps!

Answer 12

Well I've heard this before. The stretching part of yoga is fine, there's nothing wrong with stretching, but once you put your guard down and completely relax your mind, it makes you more vulnerable, because we are meant to always keep our guard up and be protected and have the armor of God - Ephesians. The spirit realm is different and each yoga stretch represents something, and a lot of things have hidden meanings. And that's really the whole part of yoga, is to look deep within yourself. Clear you mind, and your mindset should be about God.

About the Christian stretches video, I don't know, I don't think they are against yoga, their against what yoga activates.

But our bodys are temples of the Holy Spirit, so we should stay in shape. But there are other ways, such as going for a run or the gym.

Answer 13

Look, the Bible doesn't talk about staying away from Yoga.

It's stretching, for flexibility, and like all physical exertion...it gives you good feelings and relaxation.

People who get nuts on stuff like this probably sit in a corner all day with their Bible, a tin-foil hat, and a bag of meth.

Answer 14

LOL well I wouldn't waste my money on a "Christian stretching" book or DVD.  I think that's dumb.

Anyway yoga is tied into the demonic practices of Hinduism, and you can't separate it from the demonism it involves.  So just stay away from it, and go for a brisk jog if you're looking for good exercise, and look to Jesus if you're looking to be calmed and relaxed.

Answer 15

Just when I think I've heard all the goofiest things Christians could say.

Seriously, if it was okay for the first Christians to adopt customs and practices from other cultures and incorporate them into their own - then what's wrong with a Christian practicing Yoga as a way to focus their breathing, stretch their muscles, and meditate on whatever they choose to meditate on?  You could certainly meditate on your God, on a particular scripture and what it means to you, or whatever you feel comfortable with.

If I were you, I wouldn't rely on what *one* other Christian tells you is right and wrong.  Talk to your God - isn't He the only one who is supposed to be judging you?

"Christian Stretching DVD"?  Oh my.  I totally have to agree with Deke - this taking all these things that are enjoyed by many walks of life and slapping a Christian label on them is getting a little rediculous.

Answer 16

It's not the physical positions, it's the religion that it's tied to.  You cannot separate the  two.

How would you feel if your husband kept a sweater or other keepsake from an old flame, and said, "Well, it's just a sweater."

It's the association that matters.

BTW, "Blessed is the man who does NOT walk in the counsel of the ungodly."

If you have questions about spiritual matters, ask mature Christians, not random and anonymous people on the Internet!

Answer 17

I think you’re fine doing it. Look at it logically: by your friend’s standards, doing karate is anti-Christian. It’s just bodily movement. Stretching is healthy. The people who do yoga do it for spiritual reasons sometimes, sure (they think an inflexible body will mean an inflexible, stubborn mind that’s too afraid of the truth to seek it). But calming yourself down is of the Lord.

And on the subject of looking for answers within yourself, what’s wrong with that if it doesn’t contradict God’s word? The Bible says that God put his law on the heart of every man! Man knows enough to search for God, and most people live and search as though man has a purpose even if they don’t believe in God. There are things people know. You do have some answers. Not all of them, but some of them. If something doesn’t come from Christianity, that doesn’t make it not true. God is in his creation. People have knowledge of good and evil. If something is true, it’s of God. If something is beautiful and without evil, it’s of God. Christian is a terrible adjective and a good noun. Labeling something “Christian” or “UnChristian” is treating Christianity like it’s a brand or a corporation. Christianity is truth and everything that comes from God. If I see something that’s true, I claim it, I own it. It’s MINE and it’s from God. Relaxation and exercise come from God. As long as you turn on your discernment, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t glean wisdom from other sources. The eastern dudes got a lot right! They knew about pride, kindness, unselfishness, family, beauty, poetry, art, and the existence of spiritual beings. Truth. Right there. Take it, it’s yours! Check it with the word of God. I think yoga checks out. It’s just something our western culture didn’t think of first. Just because we got Jesus first doesn’t mean that we always get everything there is to get in our culture.

Truth comes from God, not religion. And God and truth are available everywhere, to everyone.

Paul said, "I am free to do anything, but I will not be mastered by anything." Maybe yoga would draw some believers from God into full new agey beliefs. This doesn't sound like a problem for you though,

I say go for it/

Answer 18

Yoga predates Christianity.  

Answer 19

The Bible also taught us to look within ourselves, but Christianity has become a parody of what it was meant to be. Some truths are ignored, others are given too much emphasis and instead of a means to bring us together, a means of unity, for the most part Christianity today is a cause of division. The spiritual beginnings of yoga are just as far from what is practiced today as is Christianity from its beginning. Would God deny us something beneficial? Go, do your yoga and remember all good things come from God. And that includes, I believe, yoga in its beginnings.

Answer 20

That is ridiculous.

Answer 21

no, that's not right. Yoga has got nothing to do with any religion. Its just a word from Hindu scriptures. It only means 'art of living'. It has got various modes or positions, which makes you feel better if you do it early in the morning. And what you say about looking into yourself is right. you know why? because, that means you are looking into the god in urself. Its discovering the god within you. Trust me, its got nothing to do with christianity or any other religion.  

Answer 22

No it's not! Yoga and religion have no connection. Yoga is for every one. Here is a great free yoga e-course to discover more:

http://www.yoga-health-beauty-energy.com

Peace

Answer 23

These DVDs could be around but it doesn't make them right. Research who started it and find out why.... It will surly answer your question.  

Answer 24

Yoga if anything will bring you more peace and calm focus and grace to deal with stress and everyday drama of real life. I practice yoga and was raised Catholic. There is a connection of yoga to Buddhism and like philosophies- but as a tool to prepare for meditation. I have become very interested both in yoga and Buddhist philosophies. First realize Buddhism is a non-religion religion. Did you know some Catholic priests practice elements of Buddhism.(like "Christian stretching cd'a.k.a. yoga).like meditation and loving kindness. Some incorporate and listen to the teachings of the Dalai Lama. Even the Dalai Lama has said not to change your religion but take what is useful. As for looking inside yourself it is meant to calm your mind to reveal your true self..your best self. As having divine with in you as in we all carry 'god'  or whatever you choose to call it with in us our human connectedness. If anything it made me more thoughtful empathetic patient..a better person with my kids and  on myself by yes searching inside to see..where am i carrying my stress ..what do I need to let go..how can i create this peaceful feeling yoga gives me when I leave the studio..plus my abs are rockin'

Namaste

Answer 25

Hello,

No, they are only exercises so you can relax and meditate. You can meditate on Jesus in place of a god or just comtemplate your navel.

Cheers,

Michael Kelly